On this day: April 22

Thousands rush to claim land in Oklahoma, the first nationwide Earth Day takes place, Richard Nixon dies, federal agents seize Elián González, and the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig sinks while spewing oil, all on this day.

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Public domain

1889: At noon, thousands rush to claim land in the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. Within hours the cities of Oklahoma City and Guthrie are formed with populations of at least 10,000. Legal settlers could claim lots up to 160 acres in size and eventually receive the title to the land if they lived on it and improved it.

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